Philippa Kaur

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    Comparing corner kings Arsenal to Stoke is disrespectful… to STOKE – Bukayo Saka wouldn’t get in that Tony Pulis team

    I SEE Arsenal are being compared to Tony Pulis’ Stoke because of their success at corners.Dimitar Berbatov made a joke about it in punditry after Manchester United lost to two set-piece goals at the Emirates on Wednesday night.Dimitar Berbatov claimed Arsenal ‘are the new Stoke’Credit: GettyThe Gunners scored two set piece goals against Man UtdCredit: EPASet pieces were Stoke’s main strength during the Tony Pulis eraCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdIf anything, it is really disrespectful to Tony.He did a wonderful job with a bang-average Stoke team keeping them in the Premier League — and yet it was ONLY because of their set-pieces?And why is there a stigma attached to it?Maybe everyone should play wonderful football like at Southampton — then get hammered for being bottom?READ MORE FOOTBALLI was there on Wednesday. It was a s**t game which Mikel Arteta and his side won from two corners.I played against Pulis’ Stoke and they were nothing like Arsenal of today.Bukayo Saka wouldn’t get into that Stoke team. Not because he isn’t good enough but because it is a completely different style.But God forbid a team gets in the box and wants to head a ball — compared to a United team that didn’t want to head anything.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSI loved Berbatov as a player, he is a real football man. But it feels a lazy comparison from a really smart guy just to protect his old club.If United won 2-0 from two corners, would Berbatov call it a tactical masterclass? Yet, when Arsenal do it, it’s Stoke?FA Cup third round draw in full as Arsenal host holders Man Utd and Man City get another dream draw Arsenal dominated possession for most of that game, too. It’s called winning football.OVER THE RAINBOWTHE debate around rainbow armbands deserves a nuanced, respectful and a completely honest conversation.In football, and in society, we should aim to move forward by having these sorts of discussions — even if we disagree wholly with someone’s views — without vilifying certain people.Marc Guehi wrote a message on his captain’s armband against Ipswich and NewcastleCredit: PAThe Crystal Palace star was contacted by the FA this week about the messageCredit: GettyAbusing someone because they don’t think the same way we do is a dangerous space that we can end up in really quickly.Whether it is not wearing a poppy on a shirt during Remembrance weekend, not taking the knee in support of fighting racism, or in this situation, not wearing an armband — or donning an alternative armband — that represents an LGBTQ+ initiative.As a former captain of a Premier League club, would I have made the same decision that Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Ipswich Town’s Sam Morsy chose? No.I would be more than happy to raise awareness for something that sadly is needed because there are still far too many marginalised and discriminated-against groups of people in society.But we have to understand that not everybody thinks the same way or has the same beliefs or priorities, even if the actions they then take can hurt members of that community.As long as things are done in a respectful manner, we have to keep an open mind, however hard that may be to understand or to comprehend.I had a similar experience as a captain at Watford during the first campaign of taking the knee before certain games.I made my view known to my team-mates, why I was doing it.If they wanted to join in and support me, great. If not, no pressure.I would never force that on anyone if they felt uncomfortable or decided not to take part.I have to be honest, when I first saw players like Wilfried Zaha and Marcos Alonso not take the knee, I took it personally.Then, I spoke to them and was like: ‘OK, I understand’.I didn’t agree, but I understood.With the rainbow armband, what we’re talking about is essentially forcing beliefs on people. I am not sure that is something we can do, especially when there are those who cite their own religious beliefs.A devout Christian, Guehi decided to write ‘I love Jesus’ and ‘Jesus loves you’ on his armbands, while a practising Muslim in Morsy opted not to wear one at all.Again, would I have done that? No. I wouldn’t feel it necessary.But I am not going to destroy the player, the man, for doing so.Guehi has said it was a “message of truth and love, and I hope people can understand that my faith is my faith, and I’ll stand by it for the rest of my life”.Ipswich came out and said Morsy made his call due to his religious beliefs, showing a transparency while also fully committing themselves as a club to the campaign.I can see why members of the LGBTQ+ community would take offence in their fight for representation and equality, not just in football.But the problem in the world now is we are so quick to vilify others for having a different opinion or belief, not taking the time to understand who, what, where and the why.The approach sadly is often: ‘Your opinion is different to mine, I don’t want to hear your reason why. You’re a racist, you’re a bigot.’You get labelled instantly and I don’t think that is fair.I saw others suggest Guehi and Morsy could have passed on the captain’s armband for those particular games. I don’t agree with that either.From experience, these initiatives are not something that the Premier League sit down and talk to clubs and individual players about before the season starts, actively reaching out and asking important questions and getting a better understanding.READ MORE SUN STORIESDo any players have objections? Why is that? Can we understand why?Is there a way of finding a solution that still supports an important initiative but also respects those religious beliefs? More

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    Mohamed Salah deserves Ballon d’Or – he ranks alongside two Man Utd icons with only Thierry Henry a better Prem import

    THE meaning of Salah to Muslims is ‘prayer’. And when Mo cuts in from the wing to shoot then his opposition would do well to utter one — because, as often as not, his shot results in a Liverpool goal.He is the Premier League leaders’ most potent forward, this chap with the smart hair styling.Mohamed Salah has scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists in 21 Liverpool appearances so far this seasonCredit: GettyThe winger could be in Ballon d’Or contention next yearCredit: GettyIt wasn’t always so. This season he abandoned his wild hair but, unlike Samson, kept his strength and continues to stun defences with the precision of his shooting.His goals have been a major part of Liverpool’s armoury for seven years now.Wednesday’s match at Newcastle was a perfect example of his deadly left-foot skills.He had set up Curtis Jones for their team’s sole goal in between two Newcastle strikes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOtherwise his contribution, by his standards, could have been described as modest.Then he struck twice, each time assisted by substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold, and also hit the bar.The late Newcastle equaliser for 3-3 cut two points from Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table but Salah had given their challengers notice with his 14th league goal this season that he was a major obstacle.Quite something, too, that he overtook Manchester City’s goal king, Erling Haaland.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThierry Henry is arguably the Premier League’s best-ever playerCredit: GettyNot an achievement expected of a little feller on the right wing, either. Egyptian magician, I’ll say.So how does he rank among our greatest football imports?Mo Salah drops yet another hint about leaving Liverpool win days after admitting he was ‘more out than in’ Unhesitatingly, I’d place Thierry Henry of France and Arsenal first, but Salah joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona as a contender for second.Why he has never been placed higher than fifth in the Ballon d’Or is a surprise.As an out-and-out winger in England only Man United’s Ryan Giggs rates near him.Since he moved here, joining Chelsea from Basel in 2014, he’s scored 170 Premier League goals with 77 assists.Salah headed to Roma from Stamford Bridge but Liverpool signed him in June 2017 in a £44.4million deal — then a club record.That was a lot at the time but, as his new club suspected, it turned out to be a bargain.At the start of this season, Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia were said to have offered £150m for him. By anyone’s standards that’s an enormous amount of money.Cristiano Ronaldo is another Prem greatCredit: PASalah also ranks alongside Eric CantonaCredit: PA:Empics SportJurgen Klopp regarded Salah as essential, of course, and so does his successor, Arne Slot.Who else could provide him with such riches from the right wing in a chase for the club’s first league title since 2019-20?It is a delicious prospect for at least half of the city. With Manchester City struggling to make an impact and Liverpool having a seven-point lead, Salah is Slot’s ace in the pack.The club is cautious about talking contracts for Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk — and no wonder when such importance has to be attached to team togetherness.At 32, Salah must realise that his next move could be his last chance to improve, or at least retain, his alleged £15m-a-year earnings.The father of two girls has made it clear he would prefer to remain at Anfield.A devout Muslim and supporter of women’s rights, he has found a new belonging among the congenial Scousers.He is very much his own man and a man of God. As a thank-you to his maker, after he hugs his team-mates, he lies prone in the sujud position after each of his goals.Not many of us would forgive a robber, as Salah did in Egypt. He gave him money and offered help to find him a job, rather than pressing charges for robbing his family.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat makes him special beyond any of his dozens of awards and trophies.He has deserved every one of them — and the next Ballon d’Or.Salah’s current Liverpool deal expires next summerCredit: Getty More

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    Storm Darragh football postponements LIVE: Liverpool and Everton release statement after two AXED Championship matches

    STORM DARRAGH is causing chaos among the footballing leagues – forcing Liverpool and Everton to release joint statements ahead of their Merseyside derby.Two Championship matches have already been postponed.Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth side will not be able to face Oxford United on Saturday afternoon.And Watford’s thrilling away fixture against Cardiff has now been called off too.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…Liverpool and Everton joint statementLiverpool and Everton have released a joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh could curtail Saturday’s derby.The Merseyside rivals spoke out to offer advice to fans – as the region braces itself for winds of up to 80mph.Both statements read: “Supporters attending Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel, and to remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.”An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am on Saturday morning, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely.”That warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday. “Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to take extra care.”Fans are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.”Copy linkCopiedSunday and Monday Prem fixturesFulham vs ArsenalIpswich vs BournemouthLeicester vs BrightonTottenham vs ChelseaMonday, December 9West Ham vs WolvesCopy linkCopiedSaturday Prem fixturesPremier League fans will be praying that Storm Darragh doesn’t postpone their matches.Here is the games that are happening on Saturday.Everton vs LiverpoolAston Villa vs SouthamptonBrentford vs NewcastleCrystal Palace vs Manchester CityManchester United vs Nottingham ForestCopy linkCopiedEverton vs Liverpool in jeopardyLiverpool will be looking to bounceback from their draw against Newcastle with a win over Everton – but the weather might have other plans.The Reds dropped two points against the Toon courtesy of Fabian Schar’s 90th minute strike.While Everton thrashed Wolves midweek meaning their tails will be up.But there has been reports that the final ever Merseyside Derby at this Goodison Park is under threat due to Storm DarraghCopy linkCopiedStorm BertThe last storm to cause chaos among the EFL was Storm BertStorm Bert caused chaos in the EFL as a number of matches were called off due to heavy snow and rain battering the UK.The League Two clash between Bradford and Accrington Stanley was first to get called off.It was revealed at 10:30am that there would be a pitch inspection and just 20 minutes later the game was postponed.Salford’s clash against Bromley was called off just an hour before kick-off.Meanwhile, Portsmouth supporters had already begun the 270-mile journey up to Blackburn for their Championship clash when it was officially called out.Copy linkCopiedNot so wellSteve Sidwell was a do-anything midfielder for Fulham and Brighton.But even he must have been surprised when he nearly added Mary Poppins to his repertoire.The Amazon Prime pundit was at Craven Cottage to see Fulham blow away the Seagulls 3-1, mainly thanks to an Alex Iwobi double.But Storm Darragh nearly did the same to the ex-Aston Villa ace.And when a huge gust flung his umbrella up – with Sidwell struggling to hold on and not go the same way – viewers reckon he almost emulated the super-power of the movie world’s most famous flying nanny.One fan posted: “Stevie Sidwell loses his brolly – nearly did a Mary Poppins down the river Thames!”Copy linkCopiedEmptinessStorm Darragh continues to reign its terror, leaving a lot of the pitches in the UK looking like the one below.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedTorquay vs Horsham POSTPONEDAnother one bites the dust with Torquay’s Trophy game against Horsham now postponed.The club statement said: “With South Devon bracing itself for the arrival of Storm Darragh this weekend, and following consultation with both the Safety Advisory Group and Horsham FC, Saturday’s Isuzu FA Trophy tie at Plainmoor has been postponed.”Although the hard work of our ground staff had given the pitch every chance of remaining playable, the prospect of winds of up to 80mph hitting the area has provided serious cause for concern, especially for those making the journey down from West Sussex.”With the safety of both sets of players, supporters and officials remaining everyone’s number one priority, the decision has been made to postpone this game, with the match now taking place on Tuesday 10th December instead (7.45pm KO).”Supporters are advised that all tickets purchased for Saturday’s fixture will remain valid for the rearranged date.Copy linkCopiedBlessing in disguise for RooneyStorm Darragh may have kept Wayne Rooney in a job at Plymouth for a little while longer.Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth will not face Oxford United tomorrow due to the 90mph wind speed.The Man Utd legend was reported to have two games left to save himself from the sack, although this was refuted by the Pilgrims’ chairman.It came after a week in which his side got thrashed 6-1 by Norwich and then 4-0 by Bristol City, leaving them just outside the relegation zone.And another loss tomorrow could have potentially saw Rooney get the sack despite the Pilgrims’ chairman quotesCopy linkCopiedWhat other matches could be affected?Other games in the area that could be hit by the weather include Bristol Rovers vs Bolton in League One, and Yeovil Town’s FA Trophy clash with Weymouth.Meanwhile Haverfordwest County announced their Welsh Premier League clash with Briton Ferry tonight was also postponed.Red warnings are extremely rare, with today’s announcement just the 19th such warning since records begin in 2011.The alert, issued on the Met Office website, warns of danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees.Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down, are also expected – with power cuts potentially affecting other services including mobile coverage.Brits are urged to avoid travelling and stay indoors if possible.There is a 39-hour yellow wind warning for the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and much of Scotland, until 6am on Sunday.Copy linkCopiedStorm Darragh statement Storm Darragh is sweeping across the Atlantic with the Met Office issuing a rare red ‘danger to life’ warning across parts of Wales, Bristol and north Somerset.The FAW said in a statement: “The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.”It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury and The Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.”Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences etc.”Potential postponements of fixtures on Friday 6 December and Sunday 8 December will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with each individual league’s policy.”Copy linkCopiedNewport County vs Carlisle United POSTPONEDNewport’s huge fixture against Carlisle is the next match that has been scratched off the list.A statement read: “The decision comes due to the severe weather conditions forecasted for tomorrow, with an Amber warning for rain and winds extending beyond the Red warning, which is in place tomorrow. These factors, combined with concerns over fan travel, the ability of emergency services to respond to potential incidents, and possible structural impacts, have led to the postponement.The safety of travelling fans, staff, players, and officials is the top priority, and this is considered the best decision given the circumstances.A new date for the rearranged fixture will be announced in due course.”Copy linkCopiedCardiff vs Watford POSTPONEDCardiff have now confirmed they will not face the Hornets “in the interest of supporter safety” after receiving advice from the Met Office.A statement on Cardiff’s website read: A new date for this fixture will be confirmed in due course.All match tickets purchased for this game will remain valid for the rearranged date. Season Tickets will also remain valid for the re-arranged fixture.If you have purchased a match ticket for this fixture, please wait for the re-arranged date to be confirmed, after which point if you still require a refund, please email tickets@cardiffcityfc.co.uk with proof of purchase and a member of the team will contact you at the earliest opportunity.Copy linkCopiedPlymouth vs Oxford United POSTPONEDThe first major match to get called off was Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth vs Oxford.The Man Utd legend was reported to have two games left to save himself from the sack, although this was refuted by the Pilgrims’ chairman.It came after a week in which his side got thrashed 6-1 by Norwich and then 4-0 by Bristol City, leaving them just outside the relegation zone.Copy linkCopiedStorm Darragh is terrorising footballGood afternoon football lovers!This is not a blog I would like to be doing as a football lover myself, but Storm Darragh is unfortunately ripping through the country.And as a result, several football matches have been called off.Including TWO matches from the Championshp and one involves Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth.Keep scrolling to find out about all of the postponed fixutres due to Storm Darragh.Copy linkCopied More

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    David Beckham secretly visited beloved Man Utd receptionist in ‘incredibly emotional moment’ before she died

    DAVID Beckham paid a secret visit to Man United’s beloved receptionist Kath Phipps before she died.He was among a host of club legends to pay heartfelt tribute to Kath, 85 — an Old Trafford employee for 56 years.David Beckham made a personal visit to see beloved Manchester United receptionist Kath PhippsCredit: Beckham/NetflixAfter her death was announced, Beckham shared a picture holding Kath Phipps’ hand as a tributeCredit: InstagramKath worked for United for 55 years and joined when Sir Matt Busby was managerCredit: ReutersAlongside a photo of them holding hands, Becks, 49, wrote: “I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad, ‘I’ll look after your boy for you, don’t you worry’.“And from that first day till the last day I spent with her, that’s exactly what she did.”Becks added on Instagram: “Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors. We love you.”Becks travelled to her home two weeks before she passed away. READ MORE DAVID BECKHAMA source told The Sun: “David made it his mission to go to see Kath at home.“It was an incredibly emotional moment.”In Netflix series Beckham, she said she found bullets in letters sent to him after his 1998 World Cup red card.After Kath’s death was announced on Thursday, ex-Old Trafford star Wayne Rooney called her the club’s “heart and soul” while his team-mate Rio Ferdinand said she was “incredibly selfless”.Most read in FootballUnited fan Kath started out as a switchboard operator for the club in the 1960s. Latterly, she was receptionist at the Carrington training complex.Man Utd’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps dies aged 85 as tributes paid to ‘heartbeat of United’She said last year: “I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here. “I look forward to coming in and having a smile on my face every day.”David Beckham posted an emotional farewell to Kath on social mediaCredit: InstagramKath was pictured welcoming billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe to Manchester United earlier this year More

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    Liverpool and Everton release joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh’s 80mph winds could postpone Merseyside derby

    LIVERPOOL and Everton have released a joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh could curtail Saturday’s derby.The Merseyside rivals spoke out to offer advice to fans – as the region braces itself for winds of up to 80mph.Goodison Park is expecting fierce conditions for Saturday’s big clashCredit: RexMerseyside is subject to an amber warning, meaning severe windsCredit: MET OfficeThe 12.30pm Premier League match is still expected to go ahead.But the clubs have responded to concerns over travel and playing conditions.They shared identical messages on their official websites.Both statements read: “Supporters attending Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel, and to remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.READ MORE FOOTBALL”An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am on Saturday morning, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely.”That warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday. “Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to take extra care.”Fans are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLiverpool are seven points clear of second-placed Chelsea in the Prem, while Everton are three above the drop zone.Meanwhile, Goodison is likely to escape the worst of Storm Darragh.John O’Shea says teams all over Europe will try to sign Caoimhin Kelleher from LiverpoolThe Met Office is anticipating winds of 70 to 80mph around exposed coasts and headlands on Merseyside.But the predicted speed in the area drops to around 60-70mph inland.Wales and south west England might suffer the most severe effects in Britain.The Met Office has put out a rare red alert for that region – including an emergency warning – to around 3million people.Winds there could reach a life-endangering 90mph in some places. More

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    Man Utd fans boast they’re ‘1-0 up already’ as footage re-emerges of last time Ruben Amorim met Nottingham Forest boss

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have claimed they already have an advantage over Nottingham Forest due to the shock history between managers Ruben Amorim and Nuno Espirito Santo.The Red Devils will aim to bounce back from Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal when they host Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.Man Utd fans have claimed they already have an advantage over Nottingham Forest thanks to Ruben AmorimCredit: ReutersAmorim scored a long-range strike against Nuno Espirito Santo in 2010The Nottingham Forest box experienced a howler in goalAnd some fans are convinced they already have a big advantage.United head coach Amorim and Forest boss Espirito Santo last went head-to-head back in 2010 – when they were both players.Amorim scored against his rival in the 2010 Taca de Liga Final as Benfica cruised to a 3-0 win against Porto.His low-driven strike looked as though it would be saved by goalkeeper Espirito Santo in the ninth minute, but the Porto man instead tipped it into his own net.Read More on Man UtdA clip of the goal re-emerged on social media ahead of Saturday’s match – and United fans were quick to poke fun at Nottingham Forest for it.One person wrote: “1-0 up and the game hasn’t even started!”Ruben Amorim scored the first in Benfica’s 3-0 win over Porto in the 2010 Taça de Liga Final, with none other than Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo having a howler in goal!”Another claimed: “The mind games have started 😂.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a third simply commented: “My gaffer.”Amorim admitted he is still having to “manage expectations” after suffering his first defeat with United this week.Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago He said: “We have to manage expectations. So, after a bad result, be calm and continue doing the job that we are doing.”It’s hard, because it’s very competitive, this league, and it changes all the time with just one result. Sometimes with progress, you’re doing so much and then you cab get this kind of result.”We have to pass this phase, because before this Arsenal game, you were asking about the top four and now we return to this position [13th in the Premier League].”If you see nowadays, in one week you have three games, that can change the image and the perception of the team – and in the table.”One week can change a lot and we need to have consistency in the job. The result you don’t control, but you need to win three matches to see a big gap in the table.”Man Utd ratings vs ArsenalRUBEN AMORIM lost his first game since taking charge of Man Utd after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.See how the players rated…ANDRE ONANA – 5He was let off early in the game after a stray pass saw Gabriel Martinelli put the ball in the net before the linesman raised his flag.Failed to command his area as 5″10 Jurrien Timber leapt highest to rattle the back of his net, before the ball floated to the back post for Arsenal to score their second set piece.DIOGO DALOT – 6Flashed a shot just wide at the end of the first half when he did eventually get forward.Not bad defensively but more dangerous going forwards.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Formed a good partnership with Maguire in the first half, and fans will be hoping he is okay after suffering a slight knock.Needed to be a more commanding figure in the box to stop being dominated by The Gunners at set pieces.HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was actually very impressive in the first half, with a solid showing.Not at fault for Timber’s header hitting the back of the net, before he was replaced by Leny Yoro.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Playing as a left-sided centre-back he looked fairly comfortable, which is a credit to the Moroccan’s versatility.That said, he still looked better off in the role that Malacia, then Dalot occupied tonight as a left-wingback.TYRELL MALACIA – 3Noticeably looked extremely physically weak up against Bukayo Saka on the left-hand side, before being booked for a kick out at Kai Havertz.Offered nothing going forward and his link-up with Garnacho was practically non-existent. Hooked at half-time for the far more threatening Amad.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Another one who was booked in the first half, he failed to establish any kind of presence in the game and on the ball, looked pretty woeful.Cleared a Joshua Zirkzee header off of his own line to stop Arsenal from doubling their lead early in the second half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 4This game was crying out for Bruno Fernandes to stamp his authority on it, and it seemed he just couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball to do so.Played a deeper role today, next to Ugarte, which meant we didn’t see any of his attacking spark.MASON MOUNT – 3Mason Mount at right wing was an experiment tried and failed at Chelsea, which Amorim tried again tonight.He was often lost in the half-space, meaning he was essentially useless going forwards. Hooked in the second half after a fairly abysmal showing.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5A very quiet first half, only brightened by one half-decent cross, was met by a second half where he was quickly subbed for Marcus Rashford.Quiet.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Battled well with the physical presence of William Saliba early on, but his side failed to create him any kind of chances.Cut a frustrated figure for most of the match, and rightly so. There will be no point signing Gyokeres if they can’t create anything for him to score.SUBSAMAD (TYRELL MALACIA, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.MARCUS RASHFORD (MASON MOUNT, 72) – 5Having been electric on the whole under Amorim, he wasn’t able to provide any kind of spark against an opponent which has been one of his favourites in recent years.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 72) – 4After an impressive display last time out, he failed to offer anything to his side going forward today.The closest he came to scoring was a dangerous header which almost saw him get an own goal on the scoresheet.LENY YORO (HARRY MAGUIRE, 72) – 6Looks like a pretty good defender on the whole, a tough game for a young centre-back, but he didn’t look out of place whatsoever.ANTONY (RASMUS HOJLUND, 79) – 5Played his part in a clever free-kick routine at the end of the game, before fluffing his lines and finding the gloves of David Raya. 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    Postecoglou’s Tottenham were clapped off the pitch after 4-1 loss to Chelsea – if it happens again he’ll be in crisis

    REWIND the clock just over a year and Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs were being applauded off the pitch by supporters, despite losing 4-1 at home to Chelsea.This Sunday, Tottenham host the Blues again and if it goes badly for the North Londoners, you fear for the Aussie boss and the reception he might get from the terraces.Ange Postecoglou must be as frustrated as any Tottenham fanCredit: GettySon Heung-min and Co were outplayed in losing 1-0 at BournemouthCredit: ReutersIt has been a marked turnaround in 13 months.From fans serenading Postecoglou with their twist on Robbie Williams’ classic ‘Angels’ of “I’m loving Big Ange instead”.To many of them falling out of love with the 59-year-old due to the wild inconsistency of his approach and some even wanting him gone.The fact that Spurs pulled off one of their greatest Premier League results ever with the 4-0 win at Manchester City just 13 days ago but now we are in this situation is remarkable.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut in a way that landmark victory at the Etihad only heightened the frustration felt by fans because it showed just what this team is capable of… yet are regularly failing to reproduce against so-called smaller teams like Crystal Palace, Ipswich and last night, Bournemouth.Andoni Iraola’s Cherries completely outclassed Spurs and were it not for some horrendously wasteful finishing from their forwards, it would have been 3-0 or 4-0 rather than 1-0.So what has sparked this reversal in fortunes for Postecoglou’s Spurs?There is an argument to say it all began with that Chelsea game in November last year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpurs had made an electric start to his tenure, going unbeaten in their first ten league games and flying high at the top of the league.Things were going so well that Postecoglou had won a hat-trick of manager-of-the-month awards for the first three months of the campaign.Ange Postecoglou ‘determined to get it right’ after Tottenham lose at Bournemouth But then disaster struck against the Blues.Spurs went down to nine men due after Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie were sent off, but more significantly they lost James Maddison and Micky van de Ven to long-term injuries.Amazingly, Postecoglou persevered with a high line and an attacking approach which led to Son Heung-min coming very close to a 90th-minute leveller for 2-2.He missed, and after that Nicolas Jackson went on to complete a hat-trick.The scenes afterwards were unforgettable though as fans belted out songs of praise for their brave team and their fearless manager for continuing to take the fight to the opposition despite their two-man disadvantage.But since then, that passion has dwindled due to how enormously patchy Postecoglou’s side have been.Their league record since Chelsea has read 17 wins, six draws and 18 defeats.The collapse towards the end of last season cost them a Champions League spot.While this term the dismal nature of displays at Selhurst Park, the second half at Brighton and the Vitality on Thursday night has irked supporters no end.Swedish attacker Dejan Kulusevski played the whole game at the Vitality Stadium but couldn’t inspire an equaliser from misfiring TottenhamCredit: RexSon shows his anguish after the sub had a goal ruled out at BournemouthCredit: GettyAt Bournemouth, Postecoglou even exchanged words with angry supporters seemingly calling him names and shouting expletives from the stands at full-time.Just over 12 hours on at Friday morning’s press conference back in Enfield, Postecoglou said he had no issue with the fans’ venting their fury.That what matters is that they are behind the team – not him.He said: “They’re not behind me, they’re behind the club. I’ve got no interest in who’s behind me.“You got to figure the ones who travel to Bournemouth are pretty hardcore supporters.“They weren’t happy with what they saw, they felt like they needed to give me some feedback, I took the feedback on board and we move on.”Injuries have been killing Postecoglou’s side over the last year.Maddison and Van de Ven getting crocked in the 4-1 against Chelsea last term derailed their progress completely.While right now he is without his first-choice centre-back pairing of Romero and Van de Ven, his No1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and is light up top with Richarlison and Wilson Odobert out injured. Ben Davies also injured his hamstring against Bournemouth.Barring the £65million purchase of Dominic Solanke – the most a Premier League club spent on a player this summer – Spurs opted for youth in the last window.The decisions we made around signing young players are the right decisions for where we are at right now and will bear fruitAnge PostecoglouArchie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, both 18, 19-year-old Odobert and Yang Min-Hyeok, also 18 and who will join next month, were all brought in.While experienced pros like Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso were let go.The injury to Odobert in particular has hit hard because Spurs looked in desperate need for more strength in the attacking areas.But the teenage kicks approach has left some fans thinking the club were too focused on building for the future, rather than the here and now.Yet Postecoglou defended the transfer policy today, commenting: “It is still the right decision and I own them [transfers] because I believe they are the right decisions for this club.“I have said numerous times, I make these decisions with the kind of background that I’m going to be here for a while to see this through.“To be honest, if I was worried about my own existence I would have fought tooth and nail to block Harry Kane leaving but it wasn’t the right decision for the club because he was in the last year of his contract. That is not what drives me.“The decisions we made around signing young players are the right decisions for this club for where we are at right now and they will bear fruit.”That may be the case further down the line, but whether Postecoglou will still be at the club in time to see it seems in jeopardy right now.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis Spurs are capable of beating the best, as they have proven in the past, so seeing off Enzo Maresca’s in-form Chelsea is doable.Lose, though, and the ex-Celtic boss could have a crisis on his hands – with a hostile trip Rangers in Glasgow coming just days after. More

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    Martin Odegaard becomes a dad as wife Helene gives birth to baby boy after Arsenal’s win over West Ham

    MARTIN ODEGAARD has welcomed a baby boy with wife Helene Spilling.The Arsenal midfielder announced in August he was expecting his first child with the professional ballroom dancer.Odegaard’s wife Helene shared this touching imageCredit: https://www.instagram.com/helenespilling/It’s thought the couple secretly wed last monthCredit: https://www.instagram.com/helenespilling/The pair shared a pregnancy pic in the summerCredit: Instagram @odegaard.98And Helene shared a picture of the couple holding the tot’s’s hand on social media.The 28-year-old added the words: “We love you so much, our little baby boy.” It’s understood the birth was last Sunday, following Arsenal’s 5-2 win over West Ham.A source said: “Martin and Helene have welcomed a baby boy.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“They are both absolutely delighted and Martin could not be prouder.” Odegaard, 25, and Helene, 27, only went public with their relationship in the summer of 2023.She was seen on the pitch hugging Odegaard following the end of the 2022-23 season.Last month the pair were reported to have secretly wed.Most read in FootballGunners’ skipper Odegaard is on a high on and off the fieldCredit: GettyAccording to Norwegian outlet Verdens Gang, the Arsenal star has changed his status to married in the national register.Helene also updated her name to include Odegaard’s surname.Inside Leandro Trossard’s 30th birthday bash after Man Utd win as Arsenal star parties with huge cutouts of his faceShe previously starred on Skal vi Danse, Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.She won the competition in 2021 and as a professional ballroom dancer has won 17 gold medals in the Norwegian national championships.Odegaard was in the squad for the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates on Wednesday night.Arsenal are now seven points from the top of the table, with Liverpool dropping points following their 3-3 draw against Newcastle.Odegaard is expected to start for Arsenal when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday at 2pm.He was out of action for two months with an ankle injury but is now back on form.Odegaard said: “I feel good, I think every game it’s getting better.“Being out for eight or nine weeks, it takes a little bit of time to get that rhythm back and to get full match fitness, but I felt pretty good. I think I’ve done a good job being out and working hard, so I feel good now.“It was the longest I’ve been out. I can’t remember anything else that I’ve had that’s been so long, so it was something new to me.“I’m not used to watching the games from the stand and not training with the team, so it was hard but the only thing you can do is work hard every day to make sure you come back as soon as possible stronger and better.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was a chance to work on some other things, be a bit more in the gym and work on other parts of the body.“Also to watch the team from the stands is a bit different but I think you can learn a lot from that and that’s what I did.” More